Reading Response- Question 2 (pg. 20) I think that taking courses on technological literacy is extremely important for today's educators. Students use various technologies throughout the day and new research shows that this abundant usage and reliance on technology is rewiring our brains. If this is indeed the case, students need to implement technology-based media in the classroom in order to cater toward the learning styles and expectations of the students.
I don't believe students should have to chose between technology classes and classes in content-area. Both class types are crucial components for pre-service and professional development programs. One way that the division could be avoided would be the inclusion of mini-technology lessons within content- area classes. In many ways, I believe this is already happening. I have had English classes that have incorporated power point presentations, wiki pages, and blogspots into the curriculum.
I don't think that too much emphasis is being placed on developing and maintaining technology competency because this is the future of instruction. But I also believe that technology should ever completely replace traditional methods of instruction and sometimes technology proves to be counter-productive (in a situation where it inhibits the lesson because the technology is temperamental or completely not working) or if the technology is truly enhancing the lesson and is being used as more of a crutch than a tool, like when a student makes a powerpoint and reads their presentation word for word. Technology can be a terrific tool that enhances a lesson and a student's knowledge if it is used at the appropriate time and in the appropriate way. I think that teachers need to be careful that they do not allow the technology to limit the interaction that the teacher has with her students or that the students have with their classmates and with discussion.
I think that taking courses on technological literacy is extremely important for today's educators. Students use various technologies throughout the day and new research shows that this abundant usage and reliance on technology is rewiring our brains. If this is indeed the case, students need to implement technology-based media in the classroom in order to cater toward the learning styles and expectations of the students.
I don't believe students should have to chose between technology classes and classes in content-area. Both class types are crucial components for pre-service and professional development programs. One way that the division could be avoided would be the inclusion of mini-technology lessons within content- area classes. In many ways, I believe this is already happening. I have had English classes that have incorporated power point presentations, wiki pages, and blogspots into the curriculum.
I don't think that too much emphasis is being placed on developing and maintaining technology competency because this is the future of instruction. But I also believe that technology should ever completely replace traditional methods of instruction and sometimes technology proves to be counter-productive (in a situation where it inhibits the lesson because the technology is temperamental or completely not working) or if the technology is truly enhancing the lesson and is being used as more of a crutch than a tool, like when a student makes a powerpoint and reads their presentation word for word. Technology can be a terrific tool that enhances a lesson and a student's knowledge if it is used at the appropriate time and in the appropriate way. I think that teachers need to be careful that they do not allow the technology to limit the interaction that the teacher has with her students or that the students have with their classmates and with discussion.